When the Dog Bites: A 5-Year Retrospective on Canine Bite Encounters

OBJECTIVES: This study addresses two objectives: to describe the epidemiology of dog bite-related emergency department (ED) visits and to evaluate changes in the rate of dog bite visits from 2019 to 2023. METHODS: Dog bite visit data from the Children's Injury Database were analyzed. Descriptive statistical and epidemiologic analyses were conducted using Epi Info 7 version 7.2.4.0. ED visits cases containing code W54, "bitten by dog," were retrieved and reviewed for inclusion. RESULTS: Between 2019 and 2023, our ED treated 1403 dog bite-related visits. There were 1252 initial visits and 151 return visits for follow-up care related to the same injury. Even though there were 34% fewer visits in 2020 than in 2019, the rate of dog bite injury visits increased by 70%. Nearly 12% (n=165) of patients required admission, and the median length of stay for these patients was 40 hours. Injuries occurred to the head/neck/face (64%, n=805). Patients were most often male (57%, n=711), with an average age of 6.5 years old. Dog breeds were identified in 43% (n=596) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Dog bites are commonly seen in a pediatric ED, with 12% of patients with this type of injury requiring admission. Frequently consulted specialties included facial surgery services and ophthalmology. Primary care physicians and parents share a crucial role in reducing this type of injury.